Biological Chemistry- What Color is Egg White

What Color is Egg White

Description: Riboflavin fluorescence in egg white is quenched because it is bound to a riboflavin binding protein. The excess protein can be titrated with free riboflavin to a fluorescent end-point. If the protein is denatured, the solution becomes fluorescent.

Source: Journal of Chemical Education – Vol. 65

Year: 1988   Vol: 65   Page: 184

Keywords: Riboflavin, Egg white. Proteins, Fluorescence, Titration, UV Light

Rating:

Hazard: Low

  • Use of UV light
  • No toxic reagents in use

Effectiveness: Good

  • Results are clearly observable without guidance
  • Somewhat connected to course material
  • Clear contrast between systems behavior
  • Time to results is medium

Difficulty: Medium

  • Procedures with some intermediate steps to result
  • Some concerted or timed manipulation
  • Volume-dependent addition/ titration
  • Use of scientific equipment

Safety Precautions: 

  • Eye protection required
  • Gloves recommended
  • Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet
  • Absorbent material on hand

Class: Biochemistry, Titrations

Division: General, Analytical Chemistry, Biological Chemistry

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